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Home Sweet Tiny Home..." Try Before You Buy"

12/12/2023

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Welcome to the world of Tiny Home Living. In this blog we will be revealing some of the key reasons why the
"Try Before You Buy" part of your journey is so important. After all it's one part adventure, one part reality check, and all about embracing the journey.

Why Tiny Living?
  • Size Matters: Before you get too excited about an Instagram-worthy tiny home, let's face it – size matters. How much space do you need? Tiny homes challenge your preconceptions and teach you that bigger doesn't always mean better unless that having more space is essential. For many the limits of 400 square fee on wheels is just the perfect size and for others smaller the better.
  • Decluttering and Downsizing: Trying out a Tiny home lets you dip your toes into the serene waters of decluttering, helping you decide what is most important to take with you.
  • Eco-Friendly Living: Tiny Home living is a terrific step towards reducing your footprint making Mother Earth do a little happy dance. Who knew downsizing could transform you into a planetary hero?
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  • Spatial Awareness: Spend a couple of days in a number of tiny homes, and learn what you like and don’t like about the layout the decor, and most importantly what amount of space YOU need. No Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube video can tell you what you need, you’ve got to experience it for yourself.
  • Personal Preferences: Tiny homes come with unique design challenges. Trying one out lets you explore what layout works best for you, understanding the importance of having a dedicated space for essentials and cherished belongings.
  • Essential vs. Non-Essential Items: Living in a tiny home forces you to reevaluate your belongings. Trying before buying allows you to identify the items that truly enhance your life and separate them from unnecessary clutter.
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What to Observe During Your Staycation:

  • Functionality: Evaluate the functionality of the space. Does the layout align with your daily routine?
  • Storage Solutions: Pay attention to the storage options available. Are they sufficient for your belongings?  Tiny living forces you to confront your belongings and fashion choices – keep what sparks joy and ditch the rest. Marie Kondo would be proud.
  • Natural Light and Ventilation:  In a tiny home, the windows are your connection to the outside world. Natural light and ventilation is essential in a compact space. What type of utilities are you wanting to use. For Propane or Natural Gas stoves be sure to have outside venting for your home or get an induction. You may consider an ERV/HRV system to keep the fresh air flowing.
  • Bathroom Beliefs: In a tiny home, the bathroom is an important part of the home. For some, a shower is just fine and for others, a bathtub is a must. It’s all about how big you want to go, what your budget will allow, and what it is you need most in your home. Do not let anyone else tell you what you should or shouldn’t do in your home…after all your the one paying for it.​
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​Trying out a tiny home is more than just a test run; it's an adventure in life choices

It’s about…
  • Getting really honest with what you need to keep or let go
  • Knowing what works best for you
  • Discovering what truly sparks joy in your life

Whether you find yourself embracing the cozy confines of tiny living or realize you need a bit more elbow room, the journey to figuring it all out is part of the adventure. So, pack your sense of humor and get ready for a miniature escapade that might just redefine your idea of “Home Sweet Tiny Home” – one square foot at a time!

​Let's GO TiNY!
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The Housing Revolution: Movable Tiny Homes vs. Homes on Foundations

10/30/2023

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In recent years, there has been a housing revolution brewing, and it's changing the way we think about homeownership and sustainable living. Two key players in this movement are Movable Tiny Homes and Small Homes on Foundation, both of which are being built off-site in factories. Factory built homes are nothing new as this was invented in the 17th century and has evolved over time.

The Factory Built Housing Revolution of current day is fueled by both Movable Tiny Homes and Small Homes on Foundation built specifically through factory-built construction. While  revolutionary approach to housing offers several key advantages:
  1. Quality Control: Factory-built homes are constructed with precision and quality control, ensuring that every aspect of your home is meticulously crafted.
  2. Speed and Efficiency: Building homes in a factory is faster and more efficient than traditional on-site construction, saving time and reducing environmental impact.
  3. Customization: Homebuyers have the option to customize their factory-built homes, allowing them to personalize their living space to their unique needs and preferences.
  4. Cost Savings: Some builders and factories are dedicated to building quality and keeping the per square foot cost down.

In this blog, we'll explore the differences between these two housing options and why they are shaping the future of housing.
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Movable Tiny Homes (MTH): The Flexible Portable Housing Solution! Movable Tiny Homes, often referred to as  "Tiny Houses on Wheels" or THOWs, have taken the housing world by storm. These adorable abodes are compact, mobile, and have captured the imagination of those seeking a minimalist and/or nomadic lifestyle. 

What sets them apart from Small Homes on Foundations?
  1. Mobility: Movable Tiny Homes are designed to be mobile, making them the perfect solution for people who crave housing that can be moved often or seldom. Whether you want to travel the country or simply enjoy a change of scenery, your movable home on wheels can go wherever the pavement can take you.
  2. Size and Minimalism: Tiny homes are typically built to an RV standard (NFPA or ANSI) and can go up to 400 square feet. This size of space often demands a resource reduction, especially if you are going from a much larger home. The good news is this helps you prioritize what truly matters.
  3. Personal Property: Because Movable Tiny Homes are built to RV standards they are considered personal property and as such will not trigger an increase in property taxes. However, if you don't pay property taxes for the additional home on your property means  they will not likely increase your property value.
  4. Cost-Efficiency: Tiny homes are often more cost-efficient compared to traditional 2500-3000 sq ft homes and possibly small homes on foundation just because of their size. A smaller space plus energy-efficient appliances will lead to substantial energy savings over time.
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Small Homes on Foundations (SHOF): While still compact and efficient, Small Homes on Foundation offer a different approach to sustainable living. These homes are built to stay in one place, providing a more conventional housing option and will appreciate the property value.

What sets them apart from Movable Tiny Homes? 
  1. Stability and Space: Small homes on foundations are stable, sturdy, and offer more space compared to  Movable Tiny Homes. They often range from 300 to 1,000 square feet, providing 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom options for families or homeowners who desire more space.
  2. Built to State Building Code: While these homes are built in a factory they are engineer stamped and inspected at the factory as if they were built onsite. 
  3. Compresses Completion Time: Because Small Homes on Foundation are inspected at the factory, site work on land clearing, utility installation, and foundation installation can take place while the home is being built off-site, thus overlapping and compressing the total time to build.
  4. Foundation and Connection: While Small Homes on Foundation are brought to the site on wheels they are removed from the wheels and place on foundations approved by the local jurisdiction.
  5. Appreciate Property Value: Because Small Homes on Foundation are built to a state building code and are on a foundation they will appreciate your property value.
  6. Long-Term Living: Small Homes on Foundations are often chosen by people looking for a sustainable yet stationary lifestyle. They are great for individuals or families who want to put down roots in a community, and wish to expand the living space for families who want to be near each other but also have their own privacy.​

The housing revolution is giving us more options than ever before, and factory-built homes are at the forefront of this movement. Whether you choose a Movable Tiny Home for a flexible or nomadic lifestyle or a Small Home on Foundation for a more stable existence, both options are giving us more affordable options to tackle the housing and climate crisis.

The key is finding the perfect balance between mobility and stability, minimalism and space, and the freedom to choose a sustainable lifestyle that suits your individual needs. The future of housing is looking brighter, more diverse, and factory-built!

Share in the comments which would you choose for your dream home? 

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Coming off the Road an emotional and grounding reality

9/19/2023

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This video pretty much sums up the reality of what 6 years of traveling Tiny has been like and how our next chapter of grounding into Ukiah, CA is what we have chosen as we "Come off the Road".  

We will be checking back in with other videos and content as we land, gain insights on what this chapter holds for us, discuss the stages we are in with regards to our Tiny Home on Wheels, our new ADU plans and so much more.
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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo5_I7G1TKG_h4QsfuNtojofdTF82LjHA
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10 Tips for Living Small so you can Live Large

8/11/2023

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There's all this talk of people living a large life while living small but what does that really mean? In this blog, I will attempt to give my version of what it's like to choose to live smaller so life can be larger.

First let's talk about space...Living smaller than the average US home of 2500 square feet offers a range of benefits that go beyond the initial challenges of limited space. Embracing a smaller living environment can lead to a more intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling lifestyle. Here's a top ten list for how to manage the physical space so we can move into the living large opportunity.


  1. Maximize Vertical Space: Utilize wall-mounted shelves, hooks, and hanging storage to make the most of your vertical space. This keeps surfaces clear and adds storage without taking up floor area. We used baskets that attach to the wall with small caribeaners (Which are hidden from sight) to give us more vertical storage. 
  2. Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. A sofa bed, fold-out desk, or a coffee table with storage can transform your living space as needed. Our multi-functional dining table is well used and comes in 4 stages 1) Fully down 2) Small table Up 3) Full Table to seat 6 up and 4) large table up with small table down for a unique sitting experience (see table in picture in the small seats 3 mode) 
  3. Declutter Regularly: Everything has a place and everything in its place is a reality not just a gimmick. Keeping only what you truly need and love helps with keeping the space clear and having time to live life instead of dealing with clutter. Be sure to have a box or bag that is always ready to receive unwanted things and take it to the thrift store as often as possible. 
  4. Light, Height and Bright- The height of your ceiling along with natural window light and white or light colored walls gives a feeling of spaciousness. Opt for light-colored walls, furniture, and décor to create an illusion of spaciousness. Light hues reflect more light, making a room feel airy and open. Feel free to add pops of color on an accent wall, pillows and art but keep the room open.
  5. Mirrors for Depth: Mirrors can make a small space appear larger by reflecting light and creating a sense of depth. Consider placing a large mirror strategically to visually expand the room.
  6. Mindful Design: Small spaces benefit from thoughtful design choices. Consider the flow of the room, the balance of colors, and the placement of furniture to create a harmonious space that visually expands beyond its physical limitations.
  7. Minimalist Design: Embrace a minimalist design style that focuses on clean lines and simplicity. This approach prevents the space from feeling cluttered and promotes a sense of calm. Think about the design of the cabinet doors and if you are considering open shelves, think about less is more.
  8. Smart Storage Solutions: Invest in storage containers that fit under beds, inside closets, and in corners. Use modular storage systems that can adapt to your changing needs. Don't forget about the toe-kicks and storage under stairs, everything counts in a Tiny Home.
  9. Functional Room Dividers: If needed, use open bookshelves, curtains, or folding screens to create separate zones within a small space. This adds privacy and defines different areas without closing off the room entirely. Need a zoom background but it just doesn't fit in a Tiny Home...think about folding screen.
  10. Optimize Lighting: Good lighting can open up a small space. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to eliminate dark corners and visually expand the room.

​Living large in a small space is all about maximizing functionality, optimizing storage, and creating the illusion of spaciousness through design and organization. By following these tips, you can transform your compact living area into a comfortable and stylish haven.

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Now that you've embraced the physical space we want to dive into what it means to Live large and give voice to what that truly means. Living in a small space goes beyond mere physical dimensions—by living smaller than what the regular scheduled program promotes is a Mindset shift. This change in physical space allows you to maximize the potential of your life space and focus on the aspects of life that truly matter. 

Here's my list on what it means to LIVE LARGE...
  1. Mindful Consumption: Living large means being deliberate about what you bring into your space. Instead of accumulating countless possessions, and getting caught in the trap of "I need that thing to make me happy". Being truly aware of what you are buying and why is the beginning of this mindful consumerism so every "thing" you buy contribute positively to your life.
  2. Be a steward of your space and your life: Living Large is all about prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Instead of being weighed down by stuff, allocate your resources towards meaningful experiences, time spent with family and friends, travel, volunteering locally, learning a new hobby. Lean into activities that enrich your life.
  3. Personal Expression: Living Large will require more thought about what your personality and style is and what elements you want in your surroundings. Are your design and art choices thought out or handed down from someone else? This gives you more freedom to explore. Not sure what to put on a wall? Leave it blank intentionally until you know what needs to go there. Be free from what others may think...turn it on it's side and have a wall party where you have friends give input on what they think could go there...and take all suggestions with a grain of salt...it's your wall after all.
  4. Decluttered Oasis: Living Large is also about creating a calm space that feels open and rejuvenating...the more rejuvenating you feel the more energy you have. We chose a bathtub in our Tiny Home when most people were amazed by this choice. For us it's a way to unwind at the end of the day or week and just because we live smaller doesn't mean we don't need to unwind any differently.
  5. Flexibility: Living Large means proving to yourself that you can change both your physical space and your mental space. Do you think differently about the world now that you have gone through this transformation? We have one precious life to live...the ongoing question each day is how do you want to live it? By challenging yourself to live smaller and not go with the "buy a large home" status quo it can create other benefits of flexibility that may not be realized with living in a larger home.
  6. Connection with Outdoors: Living large doesn't confine you to the indoors. Extend your living space by creating a cozy outside deck can connect you with nature. Just living smaller means nature is closer than ever! Living large means breathing more fresh air!
  7. Gratitude and Contentment: Living Large starts cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment. Focusing on the positives, appreciating the comfort and shelter your space provides no matter what the status quo gremlins say. Placing value on the simplicity of your lifestyle can lead to a more fulfilling way of living.
By adopting these principles, you can transform a small living space into a haven of purpose, intention, and fulfillment. Living large becomes less about physical size and more about embracing the beauty and potential of the space you call home and the life you design.
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Tiny House Builders: How to Hire Them?

10/4/2021

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Seeing you here means two things; either you are planning on moving to a tiny house, or you just want to know more about it. Well, irrespective of the reason, a solution is all you are going to get here. 
Home construction is perhaps the biggest investment you’ll ever make in your life and considering American housing; it won’t come cheap. Now that you have so much at stake, you definitely want the best in the business by your side. When it comes to creating a compact living space, the only ones you can trust are tiny house builders. 

Whether you believe it or not, the whole idea of a tiny house got a major boost after the Tiny House Movement, which took American soil by surprise. You’d be surprised to know that there are more than 10,000 tiny homes in the USA, and that number is only expected to grow and that too at a rapid rate. For decades, American thinking has all been about “the bigger, the better,” but this movement has changed it for good. It’s all fun and games until you realize that it takes a lot to build a tiny house; after all, it’s a house. The only difference is that it is small.
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Following are some tried and tested tips to hire the perfect house builder who’ll make your needs fit into a small yet livable place:


1. Put Together a List

To get things started, all you have to do is use the internet to the best of its abilities. You may not realize it now, but you are most likely to find a variety of builders who specialize in designing and consulting. But that’s not where it ends; it is recommended that you do some homework to determine which one suits better for your situation. 

2. Interview Potential Candidates 

Once you have made up your list, it’s time to get in touch with them and ask a few questions. Ask them how many projects they’ll be handling simultaneously if they end up taking up your project. If they have other projects lined up, you can expect them to be professionals with a smooth operating business plan. Other than that, just try to avoid hiring a newbie for the job since it’s the house we are talking about. 

3. Make Sure To Run Some Background Checks

Before you hire anyone, we recommend you look up your prospective builders via the local Consumer Protection Agency and your local Better Business Bureau. Ask them about their litigation history, and make notes of complaints if there are any. If you find out that the contractor isn’t even registered, you can go ahead and cross them off the list. 

4. Collect Estimates

By this point, you should have a handful of contractors on your radar, but to be more certain, you want at least three by your side. Schedule a face-to-face meeting with them, preferably at the construction site, so that you can assess their work style, their level of professionalism, and how they interact with employees and customers. Remember, the motive behind that is to get estimates for the project. Make sure that cost ranges and allowances are realistic. 

5. Compare Bids

Now that you have estimates and reviews lying around, it’s time to cut down the list to one. In order to choose one, request formal bids that include a detailed price list for labor and materials. If you notice the contractor is using confusing terms, or it seems like line items have been included that shouldn’t be there, they could be planning to pull a sneaky on you. 

Reasons Why You Should Hire A Certified Tiny House Builder

Maybe you think you can do it all by yourself, or maybe you are an engineer or an architect and perhaps you have a legit plan. Regardless of what’s going on in your head, you must come to the terms that this is not some kind of DIY, and you need professionals by your side. Here are some reasons why you need to hire a tiny house construction company. 
  • Safety 
Safety matters the most; it is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. It should be your main concern for everyone who will live or visit your new tiny home. Professionals will ensure that everything, be it electrical work or plumbing, is pulled off with finesse. 
  • Convenience 
Another perk of professional builders is that it takes a huge load off of your shoulders. You don’t have to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to make things happen. But since you’ll be spending a great amount of time in that house, you are free to have significant inputs about the design. 
  • Workmanship 
DIY isn’t the way to go when it comes to building a tiny house. By hiring experienced professionals for the job, you can expect workmanship of great quality. They’ll do everything they can to avoid even the smallest error just to avoid something complicated in the long run.

Final Verdict 
Now that you know all about tiny house builders and how to hire them, it’s time to get on with your research and land the best contractor for your dream house.
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  • HOME
  • SERVICES
    • CONSULTING & DESIGN
    • CERTIFY
    • INSURE
    • 4 Types of Tiny Homes
  • Modular
  • Movable
    • Mendocino County Moveable Tiny Home Zoning
    • SOLD 32' 2 Bedroom Tiny Home
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT